Every rescue tells a story of courage, teamwork and dedication. The IMRF Awards 2026 celebrate the people and organisations whose achievements continue to strengthen maritime search and rescue around the world. Read more
We are inviting everyone connected with the IMRF to share their views in a short, anonymous survey. Your feedback will help shape how we communicate, strengthen our brand, and better support the global maritime search and rescue community. Read more
Following the success of the inaugural Caribbean Women in SAR Summit, registration is now open for the first Caribbean Women in Search and Rescue Workshop taking place in October in the British Virgin Islands. Read more
The latest IMRF webinar explored how reporting systems, shared situational awareness and human factors can help SAR organisations reduce risk and strengthen safety culture. Read more
From maritime search and rescue (SAR) capability and training to autonomous vessels and international guidance, the IMRF continues to represent the interests of maritime SAR organisations at the International Maritime Organization. Read more
From updates to the IAMSAR Manual and advances in distress alert technology to improvements in global SAR coordination, IMO NCSR 13 progressed several initiatives that will influence SAR procedures, training for SAR personnel and seafarers and international cooperation. The IMRF contributed to several discussions and is now inviting members to share their operational experience as work continues. Read more
The IMRF is pleased to welcome six new members to its global community. From emergency response services, humanitarian rescue organisations and an association representing independent lifeboat organisations to satellite technology, environmental policy research and aviation regulation, these new members bring valuable expertise and fresh perspectives to our international maritime search and rescue network. Read more
The IMRF received strong support from Member States at the IMO Technical Cooperation Committee (TCC) for three key initiatives: the Global Maritime SAR System Review, Women in SAR and the IMRF SAR Academy. The positive response reinforces the IMRF’s role in advancing global search and rescue capability, promoting diversity within the sector and strengthening access to SAR training worldwide. Read more
The IMRF Maritime SAR Academy is launching its first e-learning modules, marking a major milestone in the development of a new global learning platform for maritime search and rescue (SAR) personnel. Read more
Alongside the University of Queensland, the IMRF led a day of discussions that explored the risks and responses to the growing issue of battery fires on board car carriers, ferries, fishing vessels, tugs and leisure craft and small work boats. Read more
Representatives from nine African countries gathered in Accra, Ghana, for the third regional workshop of the Global Maritime SAR System Review, identifying key challenges and opportunities for strengthening maritime search and rescue across the continent. Read more
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted the first non-mandatory Code for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), marking a significant milestone in the future regulation of autonomous and remotely operated shipping. Read more
The IMRF, alongside the IMO, Morocco’s Secretariat of State in charge of Marine Fisheries and HM Coastguard UK, brought together maritime SAR professionals from multiple countries to share operational experience, strengthen cooperation and enhance Mass Rescue Operations capability. Read more
By joining the Global Alliance for Drowning Prevention, the IMRF will help shape international policy, improve rescue capability and support evidence-based interventions aimed at saving lives. Read more
On the International Day for Women in Maritime, the IMRF recognises the contribution of women across the maritime sector and continues its work to advance inclusion through the #WomenInSAR initiative. This feature spotlights Dr Evette Johnson Smith, President of the Women in Maritime Association Caribbean and a leading voice in maritime education and gender inclusion. Read more
A new study led by Cranfield University in collaboration with the IMRF, shows why safety practices in maritime search and rescue do not always transfer easily between organisations and countries. Read more
The IMRF attended the North Atlantic Coast Guard Forum in Iceland, contributing to discussions on SAR, maritime safety and emerging operational challenges. Read more
Maritime SAR professionals from across Europe gathered in Poland for another vital IMRF workshop, contributing regional insights to its Global Maritime SAR System Review Read more
The IMRF is now capturing how AI is being used across maritime SAR, helping to identify key trends, challenges and opportunities for the sector, with findings set to inform discussions at the IMRF Conference later this year. Read more
This Earth Day, the IMRF outlines how the #FutureSAR climate change initiative is helping the global maritime SAR community adapt to rising environmental risks through stronger training, collaboration and more sustainable operations. Read more
The Multiple Persons in Water Triage Tool offers a practical, evidence-based approach to prioritising rescues during mass rescue operations. Read more
In the British Virgin Islands, VISAR is using IMRF materials to train crews, empower volunteers and support women in search and rescue. Read more
The RNLI recently brought together crew members who travelled to France, Sweden and the Netherlands as part of the IMRF’s Lifeboat Crew Exchange to share how the programme is shaping leadership, training and cooperation across SAR services. Read more
The Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM) is making a number of its current rescue boats available for sale as part of its fleet renewal programme. Read more